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Trap #1
The Marriage Trap
Nationally bestselling author Elizabeth Thornton returns with a wickedly tempting new tale of scandal, intrigue, and daring proposals. . . .From dueling at dawn to fighting at Waterloo, Jack Rigg, Earl of Raleigh, has seen his share of danger. But now he faces his greatest wedlock by ambush. It began in Paris, when he rescued an alluring cardsharp named Aurora from a tavern brawl. In the safety of Jack’s rooms they shared a passionate embrace. He never suspected their compromising encounter would change his life completely. . . .The idea that a poor vicar’s daughter should marry Jack Rigg might be amusing–if it weren’t so imperative. When she last saw Jack, Ellie Hill was disguised as “Aurora,” indulging her gift for gaming. Now she’s in trouble with the law–and Jack is her alibi. She must hope he’ll be more of a gentleman than he was to Aurora. But as they forge an unlikely and increasingly amorous alliance, someone with a deadly agenda wants to end their union before it begins.From the Paperback edition.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
23 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Thornton
61 books154 followersMary Forrest George, née Baxter was born and educated in Aberdeen, Scotland, where she taught school for a number of years before establishing her own nursery school, St. Swithin Street Nursery School, an institution that is still going strong today.
She and her husband then emigrated to Canada with their three young sons. She taught kindergarten and Grade One for a number of years in Winnipeg, Manitoba, before becoming lay minister at a Presbyterian Church in Winnipeg.
As part of her continuing education, she enrolled in evening classes at the University of Winnipeg to study Classical Greek. Five years later, having completed an Honor's thesis on Women in Euripides, she received her B.A. (Classics Gold Medalist).
After reading her first romance, a Regency by Georgette Heyer, she was captivated by the genre. Hereafter, writing became her hobby. In 1987, her first book, a small Regency entitled, Bluestocking Bride, was published by Zebra books.
She is the author of twenty-four historical romances, and two novellas. She has been nominated for and received many awards including the Romantic Times Trophy Award for the best New Historical Regency Author and Best Historical Regency. Seven of her novels have been finalists in the Romance Writers of America Rita awards, Scarlet Angel, Strangers at Dawn, Princess Charming and The Perfect Princess, Shady Lady, The Marriage Trap, and The Bachelor Trap. Her books appear regularly on national best-selling lists and have been translated into many languages.
Elizabeth's hobbies include reading (particularly mystery and suspense novels, biography, and history), and traveling to do research for her novels. She is also an avid Harry Potter enthusiast.
She and her husband then emigrated to Canada with their three young sons. She taught kindergarten and Grade One for a number of years in Winnipeg, Manitoba, before becoming lay minister at a Presbyterian Church in Winnipeg.
As part of her continuing education, she enrolled in evening classes at the University of Winnipeg to study Classical Greek. Five years later, having completed an Honor's thesis on Women in Euripides, she received her B.A. (Classics Gold Medalist).
After reading her first romance, a Regency by Georgette Heyer, she was captivated by the genre. Hereafter, writing became her hobby. In 1987, her first book, a small Regency entitled, Bluestocking Bride, was published by Zebra books.
She is the author of twenty-four historical romances, and two novellas. She has been nominated for and received many awards including the Romantic Times Trophy Award for the best New Historical Regency Author and Best Historical Regency. Seven of her novels have been finalists in the Romance Writers of America Rita awards, Scarlet Angel, Strangers at Dawn, Princess Charming and The Perfect Princess, Shady Lady, The Marriage Trap, and The Bachelor Trap. Her books appear regularly on national best-selling lists and have been translated into many languages.
Elizabeth's hobbies include reading (particularly mystery and suspense novels, biography, and history), and traveling to do research for her novels. She is also an avid Harry Potter enthusiast.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 19, 2025
Elizabeth Thornton— how have I managed to miss your books over the years?
One of my favorite tropes — penniless blue stocking gets stuck with mischievous rake— done right!!
Not only was there a romance thread but we had gambling, masked costumes, murder, jewelry theft, several attempts upon the life of our heroine and a few haughty Tonne members put in their place (eventually).
Well written and just as much plot driven as character driven (which makes a better romance in my opinion)—a well-balanced story with the must-have happy ending.
This may be my first Thornton novel, but it won’t be my last!!
(Reviewed 8/29/23)
One of my favorite tropes — penniless blue stocking gets stuck with mischievous rake— done right!!
Not only was there a romance thread but we had gambling, masked costumes, murder, jewelry theft, several attempts upon the life of our heroine and a few haughty Tonne members put in their place (eventually).
Well written and just as much plot driven as character driven (which makes a better romance in my opinion)—a well-balanced story with the must-have happy ending.
This may be my first Thornton novel, but it won’t be my last!!
(Reviewed 8/29/23)
October 31, 2012
From the title, I thought it would be about a fun cute heroine planning to trap the hero into marriage. That was not the case. In fact, she didn't want to marry him at all!
The Plot:
Elle is a companion, who disguised herself (briefly at the beginning of the book) to look older and less attractive so she can find work and keep her job. She also supports her younger brother Robbie (who was just expelled from University and got into some other trouble throughout the book). She also have an alter ego called Aurora who is sexy and a gamester- she can apparently count cards. She met Jack, who rescued her from a riot that broke out (because of her, duh) and they kissed and parted. She was then accused of a crime, and he had to confirm her alibi which in turns made him offer for her hand. It also seems as if she and Jack knew each other from before. They eventually got married and the rest of the book became a mystery that evolves around clearing Robbie's name from trouble.
My Thoughts:
I sort of liked the book. My favorite part of the book were the supporting characters. I don't think I liked the Heroine very much due to the fact that she contradicts herself too much. She doesn't want to get married and was adement about it, but when her cousin shows up, in order to avoid an angry reaction from him, she jumped the gun and agreed to marry Jack. Another time when she went and rescued a housemaid from the ghetto part of town, she didn't bring anyone with her (when she grew up and lived in poor areas). She should've known better. And the part that bothered me the most was when she went to a hotel afterwards and spent tons of money (Jack's money, that is) a bit frivolously when months before she didn't have two shillings to rub together. If I can change something from the book, it would be her little hobby as as Aurora. There was really nothing beneficial to introducing that alter ego since she never became Aurora again even though Jack kept referencing to it like it's sexy or something. It's not- it's annoying. I would also recommend developing more emotions and feelings for both main characters. When reading a romance novel, I expect the topic of love to be brought up a couple of times, not twice. Once to say they don't believe it, and second to come to that realization at the end in two sentences.
My:
Read this book if you like a little suspense and mystery dabbled into your historical romance fiction.
Sexiness:
I find her Aurora intriguing and his attraction to her attractive.
"Action" Level:
The
scenes leaves a lot to be desired. (hah!) Very vanilla actions.
Emotional:
Didn't care if they ended up together or not since they never really talked about love or cared much about it.
The Plot:
Elle is a companion, who disguised herself (briefly at the beginning of the book) to look older and less attractive so she can find work and keep her job. She also supports her younger brother Robbie (who was just expelled from University and got into some other trouble throughout the book). She also have an alter ego called Aurora who is sexy and a gamester- she can apparently count cards. She met Jack, who rescued her from a riot that broke out (because of her, duh) and they kissed and parted. She was then accused of a crime, and he had to confirm her alibi which in turns made him offer for her hand. It also seems as if she and Jack knew each other from before. They eventually got married and the rest of the book became a mystery that evolves around clearing Robbie's name from trouble.
My Thoughts:
I sort of liked the book. My favorite part of the book were the supporting characters. I don't think I liked the Heroine very much due to the fact that she contradicts herself too much. She doesn't want to get married and was adement about it, but when her cousin shows up, in order to avoid an angry reaction from him, she jumped the gun and agreed to marry Jack. Another time when she went and rescued a housemaid from the ghetto part of town, she didn't bring anyone with her (when she grew up and lived in poor areas). She should've known better. And the part that bothered me the most was when she went to a hotel afterwards and spent tons of money (Jack's money, that is) a bit frivolously when months before she didn't have two shillings to rub together. If I can change something from the book, it would be her little hobby as as Aurora. There was really nothing beneficial to introducing that alter ego since she never became Aurora again even though Jack kept referencing to it like it's sexy or something. It's not- it's annoying. I would also recommend developing more emotions and feelings for both main characters. When reading a romance novel, I expect the topic of love to be brought up a couple of times, not twice. Once to say they don't believe it, and second to come to that realization at the end in two sentences.
My:
Read this book if you like a little suspense and mystery dabbled into your historical romance fiction.
Sexiness:
I find her Aurora intriguing and his attraction to her attractive.
"Action" Level:
The
scenes leaves a lot to be desired. (hah!) Very vanilla actions.Emotional:
Didn't care if they ended up together or not since they never really talked about love or cared much about it.
September 17, 2021
I loved all of Elizabeth Thornton books that I've read so far and this one is no different. Fast paced with a great blend of romance and mystery. Again, I was completely flummoxed when the villain was revealed. I loved the MCs and the side characters were well done as well. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
November 10, 2019
I don't remember this book but I do remember the cover. Romance issues!
January 17, 2021
From the moment I picked up ‘The Bride’s Bodyguard’ by Elizabeth Thornton in 1998, I knew this is going to be one author I will gladly follow.
Over the years that I’ve read her books, I’ve found that she always delivers exciting plots, surprising twists and unlikely villains – a combination that goes a long way in creating the kind of romantic suspense novels that keep her readers hooked on her.
In ‘The Marriage Trap’, she scored yet again with her masterful characterisation, a wickedly brilliant plot and the right dose of suspense.
Past experiences with women has made Jack Rigg, the newly minted Earl of Raleigh, a cynic when it comes to love and marriage. With his recent inheritance, he is hounded by ambitious marriage-minded mothers and their scheming daughters. He has managed to evade getting trapped in wedlock, but when Miss Elinor Hill, a dowdy lady’s companion he met at a reception at the British embassy, dared to cast aspersions on his honour with claims that she spent the night with him in his rooms at the Palais Royal, he was furious at the suggestion of a wedding to save her reputation.
When Ellie last saw Jack, she was masquerading as the ravishingly mysterious Madame Aurora, whom Jack rescued from a tavern brawl. After sharing a passionate embrace with him, she’d left just as mysteriously, hoping to keep the night’s adventure buried in memory. But now, in desperate need to clear her name of a suspected theft, she has no choice but to name Jack as her alibi.
Determined not to compromise Jack, Ellie declined his forced proposal and left for London disgraced but unrepentant. Intrigued and entrusted with solving a murder mystery that involves Ellie’s brother and potentially her, Jack followed Ellie back to his homeland where he embarked on a quest not only to win this reluctant lady’s heart, but to save her life, and her brother’s, as well.
As I followed both Ellie’s and Jack’s trail to uncover the identity of the villain who wishes to end their union before it has even begun, I was kept guessing until nearly the very end. You sort of only realise, together with Ellie, who the murderer is, when she got cornered by him. The title may sound like a Regency romance, but the plot twists and pacing can only belong in a suspense thriller. This is one of the reasons why I would safely buy her books on her reputation alone.
Read full review here.
Over the years that I’ve read her books, I’ve found that she always delivers exciting plots, surprising twists and unlikely villains – a combination that goes a long way in creating the kind of romantic suspense novels that keep her readers hooked on her.
In ‘The Marriage Trap’, she scored yet again with her masterful characterisation, a wickedly brilliant plot and the right dose of suspense.
Past experiences with women has made Jack Rigg, the newly minted Earl of Raleigh, a cynic when it comes to love and marriage. With his recent inheritance, he is hounded by ambitious marriage-minded mothers and their scheming daughters. He has managed to evade getting trapped in wedlock, but when Miss Elinor Hill, a dowdy lady’s companion he met at a reception at the British embassy, dared to cast aspersions on his honour with claims that she spent the night with him in his rooms at the Palais Royal, he was furious at the suggestion of a wedding to save her reputation.
When Ellie last saw Jack, she was masquerading as the ravishingly mysterious Madame Aurora, whom Jack rescued from a tavern brawl. After sharing a passionate embrace with him, she’d left just as mysteriously, hoping to keep the night’s adventure buried in memory. But now, in desperate need to clear her name of a suspected theft, she has no choice but to name Jack as her alibi.
Determined not to compromise Jack, Ellie declined his forced proposal and left for London disgraced but unrepentant. Intrigued and entrusted with solving a murder mystery that involves Ellie’s brother and potentially her, Jack followed Ellie back to his homeland where he embarked on a quest not only to win this reluctant lady’s heart, but to save her life, and her brother’s, as well.
As I followed both Ellie’s and Jack’s trail to uncover the identity of the villain who wishes to end their union before it has even begun, I was kept guessing until nearly the very end. You sort of only realise, together with Ellie, who the murderer is, when she got cornered by him. The title may sound like a Regency romance, but the plot twists and pacing can only belong in a suspense thriller. This is one of the reasons why I would safely buy her books on her reputation alone.
Read full review here.
January 6, 2023
This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. It held my attention from beginning to end, the pace was brisk, and the writing was polished. The time spent on observation, conversation, and action was nicely balanced. The whole Ellie/Aurora thing was a little outlandish but my main objection was that her “virtuoso” ability was only thrown out a couple of times in an offhand way and the fact she lived in poverty and servitude instead of using her ability to live in comfort was just stupid. The plot had loose threads hanging all over the place and the resolution for the crimes propelling the plot was a big cop out. Still, none of that detracted from the fact that I enjoyed reading this and would like to read the next book in the series.
October 6, 2021
رواية رائعة وتستحق القراءة
الرواية مابين بوليسية وكوميدية ودراما ورومانسية
ولكن ما يعجبني فيها أن البطلة إيلي تتميز بحس الفكاهة الممزوجة بالجدية والعناد وهذا ما أعطى طعمًا جميلا لها
البطل جاك بما أنه يتميز بالجدية الساحقة والعناد فقد كان هناك تصادم كثير بينه وبين إيلي لذلك أعطاهما نوعا من المشاحنات المتفجرة والمهذبة في نفس الوقت 😂😂
ولكن شخصية إيلي مع أنها خيالية إلا أنني أحببتها جدًا 💞 فهي مستقلة أو تحاول الاستقلال ولكنها في النهاية تجد أنه لا غنى عن حب رجل واهتمامه بها
كما أن المشاكل مرتبطة بها وأخيها كالمغناطيس 😄
هذه القصة إحتلت عندي المركز الثاني من سلسلة قصص الكمائن أو المصائد الثلاثة وقد قرأتها كلها
ملاحظة: الشريرين الموجودين في القصص الثلاثة نهايتهم الموت ولا أعرف لماذا!! 🤔
الرواية مابين بوليسية وكوميدية ودراما ورومانسية
ولكن ما يعجبني فيها أن البطلة إيلي تتميز بحس الفكاهة الممزوجة بالجدية والعناد وهذا ما أعطى طعمًا جميلا لها
البطل جاك بما أنه يتميز بالجدية الساحقة والعناد فقد كان هناك تصادم كثير بينه وبين إيلي لذلك أعطاهما نوعا من المشاحنات المتفجرة والمهذبة في نفس الوقت 😂😂
ولكن شخصية إيلي مع أنها خيالية إلا أنني أحببتها جدًا 💞 فهي مستقلة أو تحاول الاستقلال ولكنها في النهاية تجد أنه لا غنى عن حب رجل واهتمامه بها
كما أن المشاكل مرتبطة بها وأخيها كالمغناطيس 😄
هذه القصة إحتلت عندي المركز الثاني من سلسلة قصص الكمائن أو المصائد الثلاثة وقد قرأتها كلها
ملاحظة: الشريرين الموجودين في القصص الثلاثة نهايتهم الموت ولا أعرف لماذا!! 🤔
June 12, 2018
The Marriage Trap
The best book I've read in a long while. Well, okay re-read I have the paperback copy too. You'll love all the characters as much as I did. It's a historical romantic mystery like most of her books, something i absolutely love.
The best book I've read in a long while. Well, okay re-read I have the paperback copy too. You'll love all the characters as much as I did. It's a historical romantic mystery like most of her books, something i absolutely love.
November 30, 2020
So good
This story had it all. Great characters, love that didn’t come easy but ends up happily ever after, a good mystery and dialogue. Not sure I understand the point of the Francis character. She was kind of just annoying.
This story had it all. Great characters, love that didn’t come easy but ends up happily ever after, a good mystery and dialogue. Not sure I understand the point of the Francis character. She was kind of just annoying.
March 24, 2024
A historical romance story with a little mystery mixed in. This one will hold your interest to the end. I tried to figure out who had done it. Let's just say I was wrong. If I find more of ms Thornton's books I'll be sure to read them.
February 24, 2020
I miss Elizabeth Thornton books.
May 4, 2021
Absolutely loved this book. Good plot, good writing
January 20, 2022
Quick enjoyable read. Finished in less than a day. Classic story, enjoyed the story.
April 30, 2022
It was cute. There weren't any "big misunderstandings" and the hero wasn't forceful about intimacy, which have been in some of her other books.
November 9, 2009
This is a first time author for me and it finishes up a themed challenge also.
This book is a suspense/romance. I thought it was well done and will read more by this author.
Ellie Hill is a companion to a wealthy couple's daughter. She dresses older than she really is and makes herself look dowdy to keep her job. She is the sole support for her brother Robbie after their parents die.
She is introduced to Jack Rigg at a party and the patrons are scandalized when the sought after bachelor asks her to dance. Little does he know that he practically grew up with Ellie when her vicar father tutored him as a child.
Later, after returning to London, Ellie is dressed and disguised as a very attractive woman and card shark. She is trying to win money to pay a debt her brother has incurred. After her escort leaves her alone, she ends up in Jack's room when he saves her from a riot. Now her name is tarnished and her brother is accused of murder.
This book is a suspense/romance. I thought it was well done and will read more by this author.
Ellie Hill is a companion to a wealthy couple's daughter. She dresses older than she really is and makes herself look dowdy to keep her job. She is the sole support for her brother Robbie after their parents die.
She is introduced to Jack Rigg at a party and the patrons are scandalized when the sought after bachelor asks her to dance. Little does he know that he practically grew up with Ellie when her vicar father tutored him as a child.
Later, after returning to London, Ellie is dressed and disguised as a very attractive woman and card shark. She is trying to win money to pay a debt her brother has incurred. After her escort leaves her alone, she ends up in Jack's room when he saves her from a riot. Now her name is tarnished and her brother is accused of murder.
January 9, 2009
Loved it! Murder, mystery, romance -- The Marriage Trap has it all.
May 22, 2009
Good Book
March 3, 2011
The romance seemed kind of incidental to solving the mystery, but it was still an enjoyable book overall. I need to look for the second and third book in the trilogy now.
June 5, 2011
This is another 3.5, but I read it through in one afternoon, which gives it a 4. It will still go in the book bus. Oh for a 10 star rating!
July 10, 2011
i love love love it. it wasn't like your regular romance novles
September 6, 2012
This was a great story, the characters were so interesting and strong willed. The story had lots of tension and fun back and forth with the "hero". This has been a fun series.
June 25, 2013
it is amazing how much we trust and rely on others a lot, to the point where we don't wish to see what is right in front of us, or pretend some ignorance so that reality can match our fantasy
December 13, 2013
Oh...absolutely loved Ellie and Jack's story. What more could you want - mystery, romance, murder, kindness, surprise. A surprisingly lovely read.
January 22, 2014
intrigue and family drama. romance and love. great book.
April 22, 2014
Entertaining but it didn't have anything in it to make it stand out. Still a good book though.
June 19, 2015
It's a great book to get away from life for awhile. It's mainly romance with a mystery twist. By the end of the book I couldn't put it down
September 25, 2009
Regency
October 7, 2009
i dont like short temper girl.but enjoyed this heroine.good historical and suspence novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews